Blade of Fortriu Read Free Page A

You mean you’re going to return to Banmerren and become a wise woman?” Tuala’s tone expressed the incredulity Ana felt; whatever their friend’s abilities, and these were many, Ferada had never seemed destined for a future in the service of the goddess.
    Ferada’s cheeks reddened. “I am going to Banmerren. Or, if Fola comes for the assembly, I will speak to her here at White Hill.And no, of course I’m not planning to become a priestess. I have a proposition for Fola. It troubles me that so many young women of noble blood receive, at best, half an education, and more commonly none at all save in the domestic arts. I know Fola provides places for them at Banmerren, as she did for Ana and me. But what’s offered is lacking in structure and depth; no sooner does a student startto get interested than she’s whisked off back home, or to court to be paraded before the men, or into some fellow’s bed to have his heirs put in her belly. Don’t look like that, Tuala; I know your own experience has been somewhat different but, believe me, for most girls it’s a brutal and arbitrary business. If there was a place where young women could stay just a little longer, learn a littlemore, gain some wisdom before they are thrust out into that world of men, I think we might equip them better to stand up for themselves and play a real part in affairs. So that’s what I want to do. Start a school; or rather, expand the one Fola has already to include a whole branch for girls who are not to become priestesses, but live their lives in the world. I plan to ask Fola if she will letme organize it; let me be in charge of it. I have done quite well with Uric and Bedo. And I learn quickly. What do you think?”
    Tuala was smiling. “A bold idea, entirely typical of you, Ferada,” she said. “I’d be surprised if Fola were not interested. What about your father?”
    “He’s not entirely comfortable with it, but his new marriage is foremost in his mind. Besides, he owes me. I’ve done agood job of managing his household and the boys; I’ve given five years to it.”
    “You will encounter some opposition, that is certain,” said Tuala. “Broichan is unlikely to support such an idea; he does not believe in education for women, save for those destined to serve the goddess. Many of the men will think it unnecessary, a waste of time. Some will consider it dangerous. Not all men are asopen-minded as your father, who always encouraged you to express your opinions.”
    “What of your own marriage?” Ana asked. “How would you achieve this plan if you had a husband and family to look after? Surely you don’t intend to sacrifice that—”
    “Sacrifice?” Ferada’s tone was scathing. “Oh, Ana. Can’t you entertain the possibility that a woman might reach deeper fulfillment in her life withouta man?”
    Ana felt the heat rise to her cheeks. “I—” she began.
    “I’m sorry,” Ferada said in a different tone. “I’ve upset you; I didn’t mean to. It’s been so long since I was able to speak openly, and my head is so full of ideas. I want to teach. I want to make a difference. I want to be sure I don’t waste my life.”
    “I don’t intend to waste mine,” Ana said, unable to ignore the implication.
    “Then you must hope whatever suitor Bridei has in mind for you is a paragon of male virtue,” Ferada said. “Tuala, will you speak to Bridei about my intentions? His support for the general idea of it would help me immensely.”
    “Of course,” Tuala said. “And you should ask him yourself, as well. I feel certain he will approve. He admires you, Ferada.”
    Ferada fell unaccountably silent, and at thatmoment the baby began to squirm, drawing several deep breaths that seemed to presage a storm of some kind.
    “We should go in,” Tuala said, rising and hitching the child expertly to her hip. “He’s getting hungry; it must be all that walking. You’re good with him, Ana.”
    “I like it,” said Ana. “Seeing